The government on Friday stated its “unwavering commitment” to fight human trafficking and dismantle networks and prosecute perpetrators.
To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Ministerial Task Force issued a statement pledging support to victims and survivors through various support systems and stakeholders.
As this year’s theme focuses on ‘reaching every victim, leave no one behind”, the statement said that it is imperative that solace and support be offered to help these persons rebuild their lives with compassion and empathy.
While the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Guyana Police Force and other members of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons will remain vigilant of the evolving patterns of traffickers, use of online platforms to recruit persons, its links to money laundering and drug trafficking, the statement said that there is need to holistically address root causes of trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, vulnerability and inequality at the regional and international levels.
“Today, let us all be the voices for the voiceless, advocates for change and more international support and resources, and the protectors of the most vulnerable, including migrants and indigenous groups”, the statement said.
It added that the government will continue to strengthen its educational campaigns, enforcement and monitoring efforts, implement policies that protect human rights and urge the general populace to report any suspicious activities in their communities to its 24-hour hotline (623-5030- English) or (624-0079- Spanish) or the nearest police station.
“Each one of us has a role to play – so I urge you all to let us make every day a day against trafficking in persons or human trafficking. Let us all take a stand against exploitation and its elimination and stand in solidarity with our survivors”, the statement said.
It was issued under the names of Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs and Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas–Meerabux, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
